All ships anchor offshore; tenders run to the Government Dock in Matthew Town. There is no cruise pier.
💡 Pro move: No ATMs or credit-card readers at most local businesses. Bring USD cash in small bills.
Inagua has no cruise pier — all vessels anchor and tender passengers to the Government Dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition lines (Silversea, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, Star Clippers) | Anchor offshore, tender to Government Dock, Matthew Town📍 | Tendered |
| Private yachts & charter vessels | Small-craft dock, Matthew Town📍 | Docked |
Inagua's big draws are all off-road and off-the-beaten-path — book through your ship or the Bahamas National Trust.
The main event. A BNT guide takes you to the nesting grounds where up to 80,000 West Indian flamingos breed — the largest colony in the Western Hemisphere. The sight of thousands of pink birds against white salt flats is genuinely jaw-dropping.
Find flamingo tours →One of North America's largest solar salt operations. A guided visit reveals blindingly white salt mountains, pink evaporation ponds, and the industrial surrealism of harvesting the sea. Often combined with flamingo tours.
Find salt flats tours →Beyond flamingos, Inagua hosts 140+ species including the Bahama Parrot, Roseate Spoonbill, and West Indian Whistling Duck. A serious birder's bucket-list destination.
Find birdwatching tours →Stroll the quiet colonial streets, then visit the 1870 lighthouse — one of the last hand-operated, kerosene-fueled lighthouses in the Bahamas. The keeper often allows visitors to climb for panoramic views toward Cuba.
Explore on your own →A wild, undeveloped pink-sand beach with no facilities and absolute solitude. Bring your own water, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. Snorkeling in calm conditions is excellent.
Ask your ship for beach excursions →Matthew Town itself is tiny and flat — most walks are short town strolls; the wild interior needs wheels.
An easy waterfront walk south from the tender dock to the 1870 lighthouse. Pass the commissioner's office and historic salt-era buildings along the way.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Wander the handful of streets that make up Matthew Town: weathered colonial buildings, a church or two, local bars serving conch and Kalik. A slice of Bahamian life with zero tourist polish.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Inagua Island, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 10 | 6:34 AM | 5:34 PM |
| Feb | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 8 | 6:24 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Mar | 82°F / 28°C | 75°F / 24°C | 9 | 7:03 AM | 7:04 PM |
| Apr | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 10 | 6:35 AM | 7:13 PM |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 15 | 6:17 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 7 | 6:13 AM | 7:37 PM |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 81°F / 27°C | 8 | 6:22 AM | 7:38 PM |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C | 81°F / 27°C | 10 | 6:33 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Sep | 87°F / 31°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:42 AM | 6:57 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 80°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:50 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 14 | 6:05 AM | 5:13 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 8 | 6:24 AM | 5:15 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Unmetered local taxis are the primary transport option. Matthew Town is small and most fares are short; arrange in advance when possible.
Matthew Town itself is compact and walkable. Most attractions near the dock — the flamingo reserve visitor area, salt ponds, and town center — are reachable on foot or by a short taxi ride.
Limited car rental options may be available locally for those wanting to explore the island independently; availability is not guaranteed and should be confirmed in advance.
Inagua is best known for its flamingo colony in the national park. Local guides and the Bahamas National Trust offer arranged tours — the most practical way to reach park highlights from the dock.
Upcoming cruises that call at Inagua Island, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.